Haida elder Margaret Edgars collapsed Thursday while presenting a portion of the Haida land use vision at a feast in Old Massett.
At first, it appeared Ms Edgars was overcome by emotion as she read a portion of the vision describing the devastation of culturally important plants by over-logging. However, it quickly became clear the situation was grave, and an ambulance was called.
Two guests with nursing experience helped Ms Edgars until the ambulance arrived to transport her to the Masset hospital.
The land use forum meetings planned for Friday and Saturday were cancelled.